How do we know kids aren't being used to do " grunt work"?
If there is an Internship Learning Plan in place for the site, then the student and sponsor will have a clear understanding about what is expected. Occasional "grunt work" activities are ok if the student is not the only one making coffee and copies and doing the routine things expected in any office.

How long should a student be at an internship site?
An entire year is too long. Two weeks is too short. Half a semester or one semester is about right. The student needs to have time to get acclimated to a new place and needs to have time to do more than shadow someone. Some schools plan for a student to spend around 40+ hours at an internship to gain credit. If a student goes to a placement for two or more hours, at least two times a week for 8-10 weeks then there is continuity and ample time to actually do something other than small projects and activities.

Do interns get paid?
Some do and some don't. If your program is granting credit, then it is not recommended that students get paid.

How much does an internship program cost?
Once the program is set up and staff is trained then the cost of the program is about the same as the cost for one full time teacher, (if your program is full time) plus materials for students and sponsors each year (minimum costs). Some schools incur a transportation cost, but others work out transportation arrangements within the existing bus contracts, or students get to internships themselves.

What about transportation?
Transportation is not as difficult to deal with as you might think. Some students come to school in the a.m. and then leave at the end of the day, getting dropped off near their internship along the bus route. Others find their own transportation. Larger communities often provide bus or train passes. Many grateful parents are happy to take or pick up a student at an internship.

Are internship sites difficult to find? I don't think my community has any that would work.
Every community has people working…if not right in the community, then near by. Even a gas station can offer world economics lessons; a supermarket has a lot more for a student to learn about than being a cashier; a fast food restaurant offers opportunities to learn about franchising and the business side of restaurants. You'd be surprised how many working people exclaim that they wish they'd had something like an internship program when they were in high school

How can we be sure students are getting specific skills at internship sites?
By providing a learning guide (Internship Learning Plan) and visiting the sites, talking with the students and sponsors. Site monitoring in person is a very important element of a solid internship program.